Hand rest method and apparatus

ABSTRACT

The invention provides a method and apparatus to reduce blood pressure mechanically and to provide proper hand position for walking to reduce stress on the heart and blood pressure in the hands.

FIELD OF INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to the field of blood pressure reduction methods and apparatus.

BACKGROND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] There have been numerous medicines being released recently to reduce blood pressure. Some of these medicines have adverse systemic affects.

[0003] The Applicant's method has no adverse systemic effects and mechanical reduces blood pressure at least in the hands and arms.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

[0004]FIG. 1 Perspective view in situ.

[0005]FIG. 2 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0006]FIG. 3 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0007]FIG. 4 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0008]FIG. 5 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0009]FIG. 6 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0010]FIG. 7 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0011]FIG. 8 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0012]FIG. 9 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0013]FIG. 10 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0014]FIG. 11 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0015]FIG. 12 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0016]FIG. 13 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0017]FIG. 14 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0018]FIG. 15 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0019]FIG. 16 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0020]FIG. 17 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0021]FIG. 18 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0022]FIG. 19 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0023]FIG. 20 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0024]FIG. 21 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0025]FIG. 22 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0026]FIG. 23 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0027]FIG. 24 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0028]FIG. 25 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0029]FIG. 26 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0030]FIG. 27 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0031]FIG. 28 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

[0032]FIG. 29 Alternate embodiment perspective view in situ.

OBJECTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] A first object of the invention is to provide a method and apparatus for reducing blood pressure mechanically.

[0034] A second object of the invention is to introduce various designs to achieve an elevated hand position.

[0035] A third object of the invention is to provide easy hand separation from the strap in case of a fall or for other safety reasons.

[0036] A fourth object is to improve the bio-mechanics of the hand placement by taking the stress off of the biceps and placing the weight over the shoulders. The device will train the user to hold his hands elevated to encourage this healthy habit.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0037] High blood pressure is an ever present fact of modern life. It can have genetic, environmental controllable and uncontrollable causes. The known remedies beyond diet and exercise are powerful drugs that affect blood chemistry. The cures can have significant effects on bodily systems. An approach that is sometimes used, but is not practical to a normal life, is to lie down. This puts the heart and the rest of the body in close elevational proximity. Thus the heart doesn't have to work nearly as hard to pump blood less than 1 foot vertical and substantially horizontally. When standing the heart needs to provide enough pressure to force the blood down to the feet and up to the brain in a closed system. Also, the blood must be pumped down to the fingers and back. High blood pressure in the hands can cause swelling and puffiness as well as tingling and blotchiness.

[0038] This invention focuses on the hands. If the hands are held at heart level mechanically, the blood pressure can be reduced in the whole system and the hands in particular.

[0039] The invention is the introduction of a group of designs to achieve this beneficial hand function. By reducing the mechanical pressure on the circulatory system the other remedies can have a more rapid effect. Thus, a person with high blood pressure can do at least these things before engaging in a drug regime. If the pressure can be relieved, the body can begin the repair process necessary.

[0040] The fact that holding one's hand at heart level is difficult for long periods and requires muscle effort which may lead to cramping and fatigue. The optimum would be to hang the hands at that level.

[0041]FIG. 1 shows a basic design for a garment 1 having pockets 2 at sternum or heart level. The hands can be placed in these pockets 2 and allowed to rest there. This sort of garment 1 can run from a designer vest or jacket to an outer wear coat to a wind breaker. The purpose would be to have the wearer's hands elevated when they are not engaged in work. Thus, when a person is standing around or riding a bus or talking to someone, the hands are elevated above the pants pocket, belt or jacket pocket level. When a person is walking, the hands could be elevated as well.

[0042]FIG. 1 further includes a support loop 3 which may be incorporated in the pocket 2. This could be reinforced to support the weight of the arm which might prove too much for the pocket 2 lower seam.

[0043]FIG. 2 shows a combination of pockets 2 and outer loops 3. The loops 3 provide a greater range of motion when walking. Further, the loops 3 may be engaged by different combinations of fingers and thumbs. The possibilities of height adjustment are nearly endless. For example, the person may hook his thumbs in the loop or his index fingers or combination of index and middle fingers, etc.

[0044]FIG. 3 shows another variant. A strap 4 is anchored to a garment 1. The strap 4 can be laced through and around fingers as shown for adjustment of height and comfort.

[0045]FIG. 4 shows the pockets 2 as described above can be closed with zippers, Velcro™ buttons and other closing means are also anticipated.

[0046]FIG. 5 shows an adjustable loop 3. The loop 3 can be at a number of different positions to establish a comfortable height.

[0047]FIG. 6 shows the use of a pocket 2 and stirrups 3 in combination.

[0048]FIGS. 7 & 8 show the swinging motion of the stirrups 3 and the combination of the loop 3 and finger interlace grip.

[0049]FIGS. 9 & 10 show a strap 10 with stirrups at the ends . The strap 10 can be sewn to the vest or slid through loops like a belt on the garment. This design moves the weight to the upper shoulders and back. This design also allows more reciprocal hand and arm movement when walking, as the strap 10 may slide back and forth. The strap 10 may include an elastic band to allow more movement. FIG. 10 shows a different closure on the vest.

[0050]FIG. 11 shows a fixed strap with an array of finger holes. The wearer can hook in any combination of fingers or thumbs. The array allows different hand height positions.

[0051]FIG. 12 shows a pair of thumb pockets 11. The thumb pockets 11 leave a hole in the outer seam for inserting a wearer's thumbs to hold the hands up. The pocket is a normal patch pocket otherwise.

[0052]FIG. 13 shows finger rings 12 that can be attached to cords or ribbons 13. The rings 12 can be metal, leather or fabric loops. The cords or ribbons 13 can be semi-elastic.

[0053]FIG. 14 is similar to FIG. 13 with larger loops 3 for inserting palms.

[0054]FIG. 15 shows rings like FIG. 13 but placed within the pocket 2.

[0055]FIG. 16 is similar to FIG. 1 but only providing small slash pocketsll for thumb holders.

[0056]FIG. 17 shows full sleeves 14. All of the above presentations may be for jackets or shirts as well.

[0057]FIG. 18 shows open tubular pockets 15.

[0058]FIG. 19 shows a T-bar 16 attached to a neck yoke 17. The attachment may be elastic.

[0059]FIG. 20 shows an abbreviated shirt 18 for more cooling when walking or exercising.

[0060]FIG. 21 shows an adjustable leather strap 19 which can be used. FIG. 22 shows such a strap 19 in situ.

[0061]FIG. 23 shows stirrups 3 which can be worn out front or slid into a slot 20 and held from within a pocket 2.

[0062]FIG. 24 shows stirrups 3 which can be buttoned on which makes them removable and more free in movement.

[0063]FIG. 25-26. This invention also contemplates providing wrist support which may eliminate repetitive motion injuries by extending the support to a lower level, such as while working at a keyboard as shown. FIG. 26 shows a cross strap 21 for securing and stabilizing the strap.

[0064]FIG. 27 shows a cross strap 21 can be applied to the neck strap 10 configuration of FIG. 10.

[0065]FIG. 28 shows a strap of resilient material so the wearer can exercise his grip muscles while elevating his hands.

[0066]FIG. 29 shows a wearer holding a weight while elevating the hands. This device has possible industrial applications for repetitive lifting or repetitive motions.

[0067] Obviously, numerous (additional) modifications and variations of the present invention are possible in light of the above teachings. It is, therefore, to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. a support device for supporting and maintaining at least one hand approximately about the sternum of a user comprising a holder for receiving a hand, wherein said holder maintains the at least one hand about the sternum thus controlling or reducing the blood pressure of the user.
 2. The support device as described in claim 1 wherein said holder comprises at least one pocket.
 3. The support device as described in claim 1 wherein said holder comprises a strap.
 4. The support device as described in claim 3 wherein said strap is an elastic material.
 5. The support device as described in claim 3 wherein said strap is a leather material.
 6. The support device as described in claim 3 wherein said strap is adjustable to different lengths.
 7. The support device as described in claim 2 wherein said pocket further comprises a strap therein.
 8. The support device as described in claim 7 wherein said pocket comprises an opening for providing access to said strap.
 9. (canceled).
 10. (canceled).
 11. (canceled).
 12. The support device as described in claim 1 wherein said holder comprises a loop from which at least one digit from a hand can be hung.
 13. The support device as described in claim 12 further comprising a garment an article comprising at least one with arm hole, a neck hole and a bodice for covering at least one shoulder of a user and a closure to secure said article about said user.
 14. The support device as described in claim 13 further comprising sleeves.
 15. The support device as described in claim 1 wherein said holder comprises at least one sleeve.
 16. The support device as described in claim 13 wherein said holder comprises at least one ring.
 17. The support device as described in claim 13 wherein said holder comprises an adjustable strap.
 18. The support device as described in claim 13 further comprising an anchor for connecting said holder to said bodice of said article.
 19. The support device as described in claim 13 wherein said holder is a strap is manipulable by a wearer to adjust hand height positions.
 20. (canceled).
 21. support device comprising a strap operatively connected to a wearable article for supporting at least one hand at an elevation approximately about the sternum of a user to provide a range of hand and arm motion for walking and running.
 22. (canceled).
 23. A support device for supporting at least one arm of a user comprising a yoke-shaped adjustable strap for distributing the weight said arm it to the shoulders of said user.
 24. The support device as described in claim 23 further comprising a cross-strap connected to said adiustable strap.
 25. The support device as described in claim 3 wherein said strap is formed of a resilient material.
 26. The support device as described in claim 13, wherein said wearable article comprises a vest, a wind breaker or coat.
 27. The support device as described in claim 13, wherein said strap is an elastic material.
 28. The support device as described in claim 18, wherein said anchor comprises a portion sewn to a front bodice of said article.
 29. The support device as described in claim 18, wherein said anchor is connected around said neck hole of said article.
 30. The support device as described in claim 18, further comprising an attachment for connecting said strap to an arm.
 31. A method for controlling the blood pressure of a user, said method comprising: positioning at least one hand in a support device proximately about the sternum of said user; and maintaining said hand at said position, thereby controlling mechanical pressure on the circulatory system of said user.
 32. The method as described in claim 31 wherein said support device comprises a holder.
 33. The method as described in claim 32 wherein said holder comprises at least one pocket.
 34. The method as described in claim 32 wherein said holder comprises a strap.
 35. The method as described in claim 34 wherein said strap is formed of an elastic material.
 36. The method as described in claim 34 wherein said strap is formed of a leather material.
 37. The method as described in claim 34 wherein said strap is adjustable to different lengths.
 38. The method as described in claim 33 wherein said pocket further comprises a strap therein.
 39. The method as described in claim 38 wherein said pocket comprises an opening for providing access to said strap.
 40. The method as described in claim 32 wherein said holder comprises a loop from which at least one digit from a hand can be hung.
 41. The method as described in claim 40 wherein said support device further comprises an article comprising at least one arm hole, a neck hole and a bodice for covering at least one shoulder of a user and a closure to secure said article about said user.
 42. The method as described in claim 41 wherein said support device further comprises sleeves.
 43. The method as described in claim 32 wherein holder comprises at least one sleeve.
 44. The method as described in claim 32 wherein said holder comprises at least one ring.
 45. The method as described in claim 32 wherein said holder comprises an adjustable strap.
 46. The method as described in claim 41 further comprising an anchor for connecting said holder to said bodice of said article.
 47. The method as described in claim 46 wherein said anchor comprises a portion sewn to a front of said bodice.
 48. The method as described in claim 46 wherein said anchor is attached around said neck hole of said article.
 49. The method as described in claim 32 wherein holder is a strap manipulable by a wearer to adjust hand height positions.
 50. The support device as described in claim 41 wherein said article comprises a vest, a wind breaker or coat.
 51. A method for controlling mechanical stress on a user comprising: positioning at least one hand in a support device approximately about the sternum of a user; and maintaining said hand at said position, thereby controlling the mechanical stress on said user.
 52. The method as described in claim 51 wherein said support device comprises a strap to support said hand at an elevation approximately about the sternum of a user to provide a range of hand and arm motion for walking and running.
 53. The method as described in claim 51 wherein said support device for supporting at least one arm of a user comprises a yoke-shaped adjustable strap for distributing the weight said arm to the shoulders of said user.
 54. The method as described in claim 51 wherein said support device further comprises an article comprising at least one arm hole, a neck hole and a bodice for covering at least one shoulder of a user and a fasteners to secure said article about said user.
 55. The method as described in claim 54 wherein said strap is operatively connected around said neck hole of said article to distribute the weight of said hand.
 56. The method as described in claim 53 wherein said support device further comprises a cross-strap connected to said adjustable strap.
 57. The method as described in claim 52 wherein said strap is formed of a resilient material.
 58. The method as described in claim 52 wherein said strap is formed of an elastic material.
 59. The method as described in claim 54 further comprising an anchor to connect said strap to said bodice of said article.
 60. The method as described in claim 51, wherein said strap further comprises and attachment to said strap to said hand. 